We were invited on the premier sailing of the Disney Destiny—don't miss out on these exclusive experiences!

Some things are truly once in a lifetime moments. A Mouse and a Beach Travel Co. getting an invitation to attend the premier sailing and christening of the Disney Destiny? 1000% one of them.

This particular cruise was a 3-night sailing from its home in Fort Lauderdale. It also included a day at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The Destiny sails from the port at Fort Lauderdale and it was extremely easy to navigate. Guests can include hotel and transportation when booking their cruise for a seamless vacation (your AMAAB travel advisor would love to help!). Most of our clients typically choose Port Canaveral for their magical journeys (since it is so close to Walt Disney World). However, experiencing this port was both unique and important for us because we aim to prepare our AMAAB families for their upcoming cruises when they choose to set sail from the south of Florida.

Our team was assigned a 'Brave' themed stateroom, which included a verandah and split bathroom. This is an area Disney Cruise Line does so well... so nice with multiple people (namely four women for this go around) getting ready at once! The split bathroom is always such a welcomed perk.

Following our incredible adventure, we asked each advisor which part(s) the Destiny stood out to them the most. While it's true that it is a sister ship to the Wish and Treasure, it definitely stands (or sails) on its own two feet! For more information on the differences of these sister ships, check out our reel here.

Now lets get to the good stuff below so you can also decide YOUR Destiny and if this ship is right for you!

Mary Price, AMAAB Owner:

Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King

As you sail on this magical ship, you will rotate dining experiences each evening. While the sister class ships also have World of Marvel (goes great with the Destiny's theme, though!) and 1923, the unique dining experience is Pride Lands. This restaurant has a center area where the entertainers perform while the guests are seated at long tables throughout the large room. This is the same area where Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure (on Disney WISH) and Plaza de Coco (on Disney TREASURE) are located if you are familiar with those layouts.

Before we get into what I loved, I want to set some expectations. The room is ginormous and the music can be loud. This can mean that being close to the entertainers could be good or not preferred depending on where you are sitting and the needs or desires of your family. I will say that while the singers are AMAZING, you don't necessarily have to be close to enjoy it because you can definitely hear it and experience the room changes as they perform. I would also note that the menu is inspired with flavors of Africa, so pickier eaters may not love the options. But not to worry!! This is a DISNEY cruise. There are always favorite items to order whether on the menu directly or not. Simply talk to your serving team and see what they can do for you.

Now... on to the GOOD stuff and reasons for you to visit.

I was born in the 80s... which means I was a 90s kid and I absolutely grew up with the Lion King. Not only that, my kids grew up with the Lion Guard on Disney and also enjoy the many sequels Disney has created since the original. One thing this long running series does well... the MUSIC. The four of us were for sure swaying, lifting our arms, and going into our own happy memories when hits like "He Lives In You" starts to play. It's such a jam, I am linking the YouTube HERE. The other good thing about this dining opportunity is the ability to try new flavors and explore a bit with what you order. It's a cruise... try multiple options and new dishes since it is all included! With its African inspiration, I was able to taste spice combinations I wasn't as familiar with and came away with some new appreciation for some different foodie items. Finally... the decor. Disney can tell a story like no one else can. Taking it all in was amazing. Every light change, the thoughtful details in the space, beautiful artwork, and color combinations made the space vibrant and on point for the theme.

Melissa McGill, AMAAB Travel Advisor:

Cafe Megara and the Sanctum 

Cafe Megara:

There were so many wonderful experiences on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Destiny! From the beautiful Grand Hall, to the shows and lounges, there was truly something for everyone. My favorite spot on Disney Destiny was Cafe Megara. While a small location, it was expertly “greco-disco” themed and had delicious offerings. 

Cafe Megara is themed after my favorite Disney Heroine - Megara!

The space features Meg’s signature purple, (aka my fav color), with gold and silver accents and topped off with a stunning lightning cloud chandelier. The details really stood out to me too, especially the wallpaper with Herc’s sidekick Pegasus, Mount Olympus Motifs and of course, the fabulous muses.

This location is located off the Grand Hall on deck 4. You’ll know you’ve reached it when you see the grecian wallpaper artwork adorning the far walls. This specialty cafe offers barista made coffees, assorted teas, juices and themed cocktails. I really enjoyed Calliope’s Verse Latte which is made with Honey, Pistachio, Illy Espresso, Milk. I could’ve enjoyed this Pistachio Latte every single day and still dream about it... topped with Megara Latte art of course.

This is a great stop to sit, enjoy, and people watch. The seating is very limited, so grabbing a latte to go is also a nice option for families ready for the next adventure onboard. Best times to stop by are outside of prime coffee times, so early morning, late morning or later afternoon. If you’re looking to grab a themed martini or cocktail, (the Hades Ashe & Cocoa sounds divine), then your best bet for a seat would be during either dinner seating, late afternoon or late evening.

If you’re doing a Hercules themed outfit for the show then be sure to stop by for a fun photo opp.

While the Cafe itself can be crowded the wallpaper across from it is the perfect Grecian backdrop, worthy of even the gods.

I’m a Disney cruiser, I’m not in distress, but I still need a latte!

The Sanctum:

My favorite lounge onboard the ship (aside from the Haunted Mansion Parlor which is also featured on the Disney Treasure), was The Sanctum. This mystical themed lounge brought to life Dr. Strange’s Sanctum in a perfectly spellbinding way.

Marvel has a special place in my heart because my Dad is a comic collector. We grew up knowing these stories. When Disney started making movies based on the heroes I grew up with, I was really excited. This ship is a great option for Marvel fans with all the Heroes featured, including Dr. Strange and The Sanctum.

One feature I really enjoyed was the Bleeker Street address plate located on the outside of The Sanctum as you enter. As a New York native this was a fun accent to see featured. The overall vibe was that of a modern Jazz lounge and the cocktails all have unique features themed after the powers and experiences of Dr. Strange. Mythical artifacts adorn the walls including a circular mirror behind the bar inspired by the building’s iconic window.

My favorite cocktail onboard the Destiny was here at The Sanctum on the first night!

I loved the Mirror Dimension made with Stoli Elit, Lychee, Strawberry Pink Peppercorn, Fever Tree Lime & Yuzu. This unique cocktail is served on a lighted pedestal that creates an electric effect only when the drink is placed on it. There are also several zero-proof beverages, standard bar offerings, and a few sweet food offerings.

This lounge is located off the Grand Hall on deck 3, mid-ship in the center, allowing access from both sides. The location and live entertainment offerings of this lounge made it a popular spot for cruisers to relax, but we were able to find seating both times we were there. Recommended times to enjoy this lounge would be midday or during either dinner seating. 

Are you ready to master the mystic arts and enter the multi-verse of lounges? 

Kayla Read, AMAAB Travel Advisor:

The Grand Hall 

Located on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th decks you will find the incredibly tall atrium... better known as the Grand Hall onboard Disney ships. It's the central gathering point upon entering and the hub for various activities throughout the ship. When you walk into the Grand Hall, you are immediately transported into a Hero's dream and a Villain's (wishful thinking) Lair.

This space is nothing like the other ships. Sure, it's massive like the other Wish Class ships, but it's lit with immersive lighting that fits the mood of the character in that space. This is only featured on the Destiny currently. If Loki is greeting, the vibe and colors are green; if it's Cruella, the lighting turns to Red, or when Black Panther enters, the lights are purple and the music changes as well. We're not talking just the chandelier changes colors, it's the staircase, the railing, and the stage! It is amazing to stand there and experience the room transform before your eyes.

This is a popular spot as there is always someone to meet, a show, or an experience to jump into. Some of my favorite experiences that I think are must-dos are: 

1. Sounds of Wakanda - as a lover of the Black Panther movies, this really made my heart and soul happy to embrace the ship in the spirit and sounds of the drums of Wakanda. Immerse yourself as you sing, dance, and maybe even play an instrument with the band.

2. Celebration of the King - A celebration like no other to make sure the Anti-Hero Loki himself feels honored and adored. Celebrate him by dancing, drawing a portrait, or even singing him a "Loki is better than Thor" song. Things may seem like they're all about him, but we know the true king, T'Challa (Black Panther), reigns supreme. So have no fear as he comes by to take his rightful throne.

3. The Kiss Goodnight - at midnight every night, you can find the chandelier aglow with lights and music. Our crew loved lying on the floor and staring up at its beauty as we took in the sights of its wonder.

Make sure you check your Navigator App for times for all three of these! 

Kelly Westbrook, AMAAB Travel Advisor:

AquaMouse and De Vil's Lounge

AquaMouse

The Aquamouse, a water ride/slide, is also on both the Treasure and the Wish. However, this one has differences worth noting. The cartoons to start the ride were different and on theme for the Destiny. The day we rode, it was villain themed! The surprise was that as you got to each cartoon, they shot water from the screen. It was hilarious! Except that it was also extremely COLD... it felt extra villain-y and stood out!

Guests of a variety of ages will love this ride, though you should note that there is a height minimum to be aware of (42"). My son was sadly too short on his first Disney Cruise, and this was hard for him. I wish I had thought to look at the height requirements before traveling to prepare him for the other fun opportunities that he can participate in! 

Pro Tips: Check the times it is open in the app. It does not run all day! Also, my favorite time to ride is while docked and others are off the ship. This is a great way to get multiple rides in.

De Vil's Lounge

This lounge is the closest to the Grand Hall on deck 3. It is inspired by the black, white, and red fashionista from 101 Dalmatians, Cruella De Vil. This bar has both classics and specialty drinks - just like Cruella's fashion sense. There is a cute spotted piano in the middle of the lounge too. I experienced this lounge both with and without a pianist and each time was enjoyed in its own way. It felt calm and quiet like a retreat without the pianist so we could hear each other and relax, but with the pianist, it was lively and there was lots of singing to different tunes... just what we love!

This area is designed with adults in mind. While it is a full bar, non-alcoholic options are also available as well. This is an adult-only experience.

Pro Tip: This bar has Grand Hall seating and seating inside. If you just want to try a drink and not have the full piano bar experience, you can grab the full menu near the stairs to Oceaneers Club from the Grand Hall.

Whether you’re wanting to experience the Disney Destiny specifically or explore another one of their amazing ships, your A Mouse and A Beach travel advisor would love to help you plan a memorable Disney Cruise Line getaway.

Reach out for assistance choosing the right magic for your family!